A Well Read Life

Today I'm joined by my friend Sophie Burkhardt to talk about our love of mysteries. Sophie shares a little about the history of detective fiction and mystery novels, and we discuss our most loved (and hated) of the genre. 

It's time for a sneak peek of what's to come on the podcast in October. This month it's all about mysteries. I'll share some of my favorite mystery novels (and detectives), and sit down with a friend to discuss our love of the genre.

A beloved children's classic about a bear of very little brains, the wonderful Winnie-the-Pooh, is the subject of today's episode. I've just read for the first time, in their entirety, Winnie-the-Pooh and The House at Pooh Corner. And now, I'm tempted to spend my autumn evenings dreaming of a visit to the Hundred Acre Woods with that lovable bear as my guide and a little smackerel of something del...

September marks the second anniversary of this podcast. To celebrate that milestone, I'm sharing a behind-the-scenes peek at the podcast.  I talk about my inspiration for the podcast, technical aspects, and what to expect in the future. Fathom Magazine article

I'm back today to share a sneak peek of what's to come on the podcast in September. I have some plans that I'm very excited about, and I can't wait to share them with you.

Gifts, grace, and one decadent meal today I'm sharing about Babette's Feast. Isak Dineson's masterpiece of a short story. My first impression of Babette's Feast was lukewarm, but it is now one of my favorite stories. Listen as I share why in today's episode.  Affiliate link on Bookshop.org to Babette's Feast.

From talking foxes, trickster trolls, princes under enchantments, and many happily ever afters, I've been under the spell of fairy tales lately. Today I'm sharing one of my recent favorites, East of the Sun and West of the Moon. A Norwegian fairy tale with hints of Beauty and the Beast and the Cupid and Psyche myth. The Literary Life episode on fairy tales. Bookshop.org affiliate link to Nordic Ta...

Today I'm sharing a sneak peek of what's to come on the podcast in August. This month I'll be talking about two fairy tales--one is an older story and one I think of as a modern literary fairy tale. Enjoy today's sneak peek!

I recently had my mom here for a visit, and we took the opportunity to sit down and chat about one of our favorite writers for pleasure reading, Mary Stewart. Her novels are light, full of mystery, suspense, and romance, and are an all-around delight to read. It is a fun conversation, and I hope you enjoy it.   STV Mary Stewart Interview  

Friends and adventure. The two seem to go hand in hand in the best books, throw in a mix of good humor and heart, and the book is near perfection. That is what you will find in Adventures With Waffles by Maria Parr, today's book recommendation. It is a charming and fast-paced story of two unlikely friends who get into the most hair-raising adventures. Recipe for Norwegian Waffles Affiliate links t...

You may have seen A Place to Hang the Moon by Kate Albus floating around the internet this spring, and it is worth all the hype it's receiving. It is easily one of the best books I've read this year, and it's quickly become the book I'm recommending to everyone.   Affiliate link to Bookshop.org: A Place to Hang the Moon

Today I'm sharing about The Scent of Water by Elizabeth Goudge. It is my personal favorite of her many novels. This beautiful story, set in the rural English countryside during the Post World War II years, centers around a community of people with lives changed by one woman's faith and obedience. Elizabeth Goudge was a writer of hope, and she freely offered this beautiful gift to the world. I have...

Today is the release day for Sarah Clarkson's new memoir This Beautiful Truth. I'm sharing a quick review of this lovely new book. Please join me in welcoming it into the world! Books mentioned in this episode (with affiliate links from Bookshop.org): This Beautiful Truth Book Girl Caught Up in a Story Miss Rumphius The Scent of Water Babette's Feast Gerard Manley Hopkins What the Night Sings

Today I’m sharing one of my favorite family read alouds from childhood, The Selfish Giant. Written by Oscar Wilde, with all his trademark wit in tact, The Selfish Giant is a humorous and poignant story of human nature and the need for redemption. Affiliate link to Bookshop.org: The Selfish Giant

In the last episode, I spoke with Mez Blume about the writing process behind her brilliant book Churchill’s SOCKS. This week I want to dig deeper into the story, hopefully without giving too much away. It’s one of the best books I’ve read this year, and when I find a good book, I can’t help wanting to share it. I hope this will serve as an added incentive for you to read the book. Affiliate link t...

Today I'm joined by my friend Mez Blume. Mez is the author of the Katie Watson books, a fantastic historical fiction series. Recently she sat down to talk to me about her newest book, Churchill's S.O.C.K.s, and her writing process. Mez is an absolute delight to talk to, and I hope you enjoy our conversation.  A little bit about Mez. She is a children's author and a lover of adventure. While she ha...

I'm thrilled to have my friend Sophie Burkhardt (one of the hosts of Tikvah) on the show today to talk about The Little Prince. It was a delight to sit down and talk with Sophie about a book we both love for its rich imagination and sense of childlike wonder. Sophie is a wealth of good book recommendations, and I hope you enjoy our conversation as much as I did.      Tikvah episodes mentioned in t...

In this week's book recommendation, I'm talking about the Frances Hodgson Burnett classic A Little Princess. It's been years since I read the book, but recently I was seized with a sudden desire to reread it, and I'm so glad I did. The story shares much of the same structure as a fairy tale, and it was a delight to get reacquainted with its heroine, Sara Crewe. It's a story rich in imagination and...

In today's episode I'm reading Charles Perrault's version of Cinderella.

My mom is joining me today to talk about our recent creative weekend and the books that inspire us creatively. Affiliate links to Bookshop.org: The Mind of the Maker- https://bookshop.org/a/12095/9780060670771 On Writing- https://bookshop.org/a/12095/9781982159375 Adorning the Dark- https://bookshop.org/a/12095/9781535949026 Walking on Water- https://bookshop.org/a/12095/9780804189279 The End of t...

Today I'm sharing a lovely children's story, Secret of the Ron Mor Skerry, by Rosalie K. Fry. It is a sweet family story set against the background of Scotland's Western Isles. The book is full of mystery, enchanting storytelling, and a hint of mythological creatures and is the perfect antidote for a case of wanderlust.   Affiliate link to bookshop.org: Secret of the Ron Mor Skerry- https://booksh...

Today I'm sharing my thoughts on Hans Christian Anderson's The Snow Queen. The Snow Queen is a personal favorite of his stories. Like all good fairy tales, it reminds us that redemption is not far away.  Affiliate link for Bookshop.org: https://bookshop.org/shop/BethJamieson  

Today I'm sharing a selection from The Snow Queen by Hans Christian Anderson. It is a strange and beautiful story, and I hope you enjoy listening to parts one and two. Join me next week when I'll share my thoughts on this classic fairytale. 

In today's episode, I'm talking about The Awakening of Miss Prim by Natalia Sanmartin Fenellora. It is a rich and beautiful modern fairy tale of one woman's journey to faith. The Awakening of Miss Prim delighted me with its wit, charm, truth, and beauty from the first page to the last. It is now a much loved favorite book. Affiliate link to Bookshop.org: https://bookshop.org/a/12095/9781476734248...

Today I'm talking about one of the most beloved books of all time, Anne of Green Gables. It is a classic for a reason, and I am forever indebted to L.M. Montgomery for creating this delightful heroine.